What safety measure should be taken when using the PTO?

Ensuring that all shields are in place and avoiding the wearing of loose clothing is crucial when using the Power Take-Off (PTO) on tractors. Shields are designed to protect the operator from coming into contact with rotating components, which can pose serious risks of injury. If these shields are not in place, there is an increased risk of entanglement, which can result in severe accidents.

Similarly, wearing loose clothing can lead to being caught in the rotating parts of the PTO. Tight-fitting clothing is recommended as it is less likely to get entangled. By following this safety measure, operators can significantly reduce the chance of injury while operating equipment connected to the PTO.

In contrast, the other options propose practices that either do not enhance safety or may create more hazards. For example, keeping the PTO disengaged at all times is impractical, as it needs to be engaged when using the connected implements. Additionally, having the PTO running at all times is dangerous and creates risks of unexpected injury. Thus, maintaining the shields and avoiding loose garments is a fundamental safety practice in the operation of PTO equipment.